We want you to have fun whilst at Hoe Grange, so we have provided
you below with a comprehensive list of local Derbyshire events
and activities to enjoy during your stay with us - you can browse
by the month you are interested in. Whilst every effort is made
to keep these details up to date, we recommend that if you are
interested in a particular event you check the facts yourself
before arrival. This will avoid any disappointment just in case
the dates have altered.
If you find something exciting to do here in the Peak District
that we have not thought of we would love to know the details
so that we can add them to our events list for other people to
enjoy.
Click on the event to go to the website.
There are a number of excellent Farmers Markets in the area
selling local produce and home baked foods, for details and dates
see www.local-farmers-markets.co.uk
| January |
Event |
|
| Friday
1st January |
Mappleton
- New Years Day Water Race and Bridge Jump |
A
charity event where 10 teams of 3 people paddle down 1/2
a mile of the River Dove and then bravely jump 30 ft from the
bridge into the ice cold water, before running 500 yards to the
pub! An amazing family event and an excellent way to sober up
after the excesses of New Year! |
| February |
|
|
| Monday 1st February to Sunday 28th Februaury |
Snowdrops at Hopton Hall
near Carsington |
Since 1996 the owners have gradually cleared and restored the woodland and its walks surrounding Hopton Hall. This has produced magical displays of over 75 species of Snowdrops and Aconites - the first welcome sights of spring. £4.00 per person, children up to 16 yrs and parking free |
| Tuesday
16th February & Wednesday 17th February |
Ashbourne
Shrovetide Football |
A
frantic game of football through the streets of Ashbourne from
kick off in Shawcroft Car park at 2 pm until well after dark.
First recorded as long ago as 1682. Two teams, Up'ards born North
of the River Henmore and Down'ards born South, battle to score
by striking the ball 3 times against the old mill wheel goals,
which are 3 miles apart at Clifton and Sturston Mill. The large
hand sewn leather ball can be kicked, carried or thrown, but generally
passes along in a "hug" invisible to the spectator.
An experience not to be missed, but don't get too near the ball! |
| Tuesday
17th February |
Winster
Pancake Races |
A
long established local pancake race, which all began as harmless
fun organised by the local Headteacher as a war time diversion
for children. It is now a seriously lighthearted affair with
secret training and stringent rules about the batter! |
| March |
|
|
Sat & Sunday 6th & 7th March
Sunday 14th March
|
Midland Railway
- Butterley
Mothering Day Special
|
Take
the children on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends
- plenty of other engines to see and there is a good play area
to blow off steam!
Take mum out for a luchtime treat on the railway! |
| Saturday 6th March to Sunday 9th May |
Roger Allen
Solo exhibition by local watercolour artist |
Derbyshire - A Working Landscape
a solo exhibition of work by local water colour artist Roger Allen - amazingly detailed scenic views, definitely worth a visit! Buxton Museum and Art Gallery SK17 6DA |
| Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March |
Pavillion
Gardens - Buxton
Art & Design
Fair
|
A celebration
of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from
painting, candle making, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft,
glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy! |
| April |
|
|
| Easter |
Midland
Railway - Butterley
Easter Eggstravaganza
|
Plenty of Easter
"egg"citment at this standard gauge line which has
steam and diesel hauled passenger trains. The main site at Swanwick
has a museum dedicated to the Midland Railway as well as a large
collection of diesel and steam locomotives. If you enjoy trains
it is a fabulous day out for the whole family with model and
miniature railways, a farm and a country park as well as a host
of other attractions. |
| Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April |
Crich Tramway
Village
1940's weekend |
A weekend of activities themed around the war years
with military vehicles, soldiers and civilians. Trams run to
and fro every few minutes from the cobbles of the period street,
past the original facades of historic buildings before heading up the valley to views that will take
your breath away. Hand over the old penny you are given on entry
and you are free to ride the trams all day. There is also an
indoor exhibition hall, restoration workshop, outdoor play areas
and a woodland walk and sculpture trail. They have facilities
for offering wheelchair tram rides. A good family day out for
all ages. |
| Tuesday
6th April |
Flagg Races |
The
High Peak Hunt's point to point meeting is held on Easter Tuesday.
Flagg Races were first held in 1892 and are now the only remaining
point-to-point meeting to run the Hunt Members' race over natural
hunting country, starting in Flagg village and finishing on the
racecourse proper. First race starts at 12.30pm. New pony racing for 2010. An exciting day
out, but wrap up warm! |
| Saturday
24th April to Sunday 9th May |
Peak
District Walking Festival |
A
two week festival of walking, which provides something for everyone,
whether you're a casual ambler or a strenuous rambler! There
are numerous guided and themed walks, including: historical,
wildlife, ghost, literary & folk tale. |
| May |
|
|
| Sunday 2nd May |
Hoe Grange Roman and Railway Ramble with Farmhouse Cream Tea |
This year we are delighted to host a moderate 6 mile circular walk as part of the Peak District Walking Festival. Starting from Hoe Grange at 11am and led by High Peak Trail Ranger. Bring your own pack lunch. Followed by fabulous farmhouse cream tea - just £4 per head. Booking essential : contact Felicity on 01629 540262 or e-mail: info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk |
| Sunday 2nd May |
Bird watching for beginners
Carsington Water |
Join Severn Trent Water Ranger for an introduction to watching and identifying birds on a gentle walk which is accessible to all. Children 13 years + welcome. Sorry, no dogs. Bring walking boots and suitable clothing, binoculars and notebook. Starting from Carsington Water Visitor Centre at 10am. |
| Monday 3rd May |
Pavillion Gardens - Buxton
Plant & Gardening Fair |
Showcasing plants, including plant care and unusual species, gardening equipment and furniture from local suppliers and companies specialising in garden design. A must for those with green fingers! |
| Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May |
Crich Tramway Village Models Weekend |
Models Weekend
A Fantastic display of transport in miniature, including model trams, railways, road transport and Meccano. Includes Morris Minor event on 10th May. |
| Saturday 22nd May |
Macmillan Cancer Support sponsored walk at Carsington Water |
An 8 mile scenic walk around Carsington Water in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, starting at 10am from the visitor centre. |
| Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th May |
Pavilion Gardens - Buxton
Annual Antiques Fair
|
If you are after antiques this is a must! One of the largest antique and collectors fairs in the area with absolutely everything you could imagine. Well worth a visit. |
| Saturday 15th
& Sunday 16th May |
Chatsworth
Nissan International Horse Trials |
Chatsworth provides
a spectacular setting for it's International Horse Trials, with
a cross country course running through the beautiful 1000-acre
park on the banks of the river Derwent. This three phase event
is extremely demanding, as both horse and rider have to show
obedience and grace in the dressage phase, courage and athleticism
across country and accuracy in show jumping. There are also pony
club events, and displays. |
| Saturday 22nd May |
White Peak
Marathon
and White Peak Swift
|
This is an off road full marathon
using the old railway lines which now form the White Peak Trails.
Setting off from Thorpe Cloud at 11am along the Tissington Trail
to Parsley Hay and then downhill along the High Peak Trail to
finish at Cromford Meadows. For those who want to take a short
cut the Swift Marathon goes from Friden direct to Cromford Meadows! |
| TBC |
Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair
Bolsover
Castle
|
Sample a taste of Derbyshire
food and drink at this fantastic medieval castle, which dominates
the countryside from its hilltop. Bolsover occupies the site
of a medieval castle built by the Peverel family shortly after
the Norman Conquest. Sir Charles Cavendish bought the old castle
in 1612 and began work on his 'Little Castle' project. Despite
its embattled appearance, his creation was not designed for defence,
but for elegant living! |
|
| Thursday
13th May to Wednesday 19th May |
Tissington
Well Dressings |
Tissington
is known as the mother place of well dressing, with visitors
arriving from all over the world to witness the annual well blessing
ceremony on Ascension Day. Dressing consists of erecting boards
covered in clay, into which thousands of flower petals are pressed
to create a colourful tableaux of a biblical or topographical
scene. It is probable that well dressing took place here in 1348,
in thanksgiving for the village's escape from the Black Death,
which the villagers attributed to the purity of its water. |
| TBC |
Brassington Village - A Summer Celebration |
A celebration of summer in Brassington church with flowers and art exhibition by local artists - refreshments available, all welcome.
Open 11.00am to 5.00pm
There is also a concert of local talent on Saturday 23rd May at church at 7.30pm |
| Saturday
22nd to Tuesday 25th May |
Wirksworth
Well Dressings |
Well
dressing was first adopted in Wirksworth, to celebrate the arrival
of piped water in the town, in 1827, when the taps were dressed.
There is always a carnival spirit with the crowning of the Well
Queen, who with her attendants forms part of a procession for
the blessing of the wells, accompanied by a brass band. Also
a chance to explore the maze of narrow streets and tiny alleyways,
and to admire the historic buildings. |
Sunday 23rd & Monday 24th May
|
Pavilion Gardens
- Buxton
Art & Design Fair
|
A celebration
of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from
painting, candle making, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft,
glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy! |
| Monday
24th May |
Dovedale
Fete |
A
traditional country village fete with cakes, stalls, entertainments,
maypole dancing, morris men, fair rides and much more. It is
held in the picturesque village of Ilam from 12pm onwards. A
good event for entertaining the children. |
| Saturday 29th to Monday 31st May |
Midland
Railway - Butterley |
Take the children
on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty
of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow
off steam! |
| TBC |
Bat
Safari
Carsington Water
|
Join Derbyshire
Bat Conservation Group and the Rangers for an evening stroll
near part of the reservoir. Listen and look out for these unusual
yet wonderful creatures of the night. Take your torch and meet
at Millfields car park at 8.45pm, just £2.50 - booking
essential. |
| June |
|
|
| Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June |
Steam & Vintage Event
Belper
|
The event was first established in 1989 as part of the Belper Festival fortnight. The event has grown and is now firmly established as one of the largest steam fairs in the county. Fabulous for steam enthusiasts with hundreds of vintage vehicles, but also a good family day out with trade, craft and auto jumble stalls and arena events and street entertainers to keep children occupied. |
| Saturday 12th June |
Pipes in the Peaks |
A concert featuring the amazing Compton organ and the 17 piece Ockbrook Big Band, starring Christan Cartwright. |
| Friday 11th to Sunday 13th June |
Download Music Festival
Donnington Park
|
A fairly new but huge music festival set over 3 days with superb artists. see website for further details. |
| Saturday 9th June |
Kedleston
Hall
Romeo & Juliette |
Illyria perform Shakespeare's classic love story in the pleasure grounds. Take along your own summer picnic and seating, and enjoy a wonderful outdoor evening. |
| Saturday 12th
& Sunday 13th June |
Birchover Open
Gardens |
You can wander
around over 30 gardens in this picturesque village. There are
stalls, cream teas and a flower festival at the church. Parking
is free, but there is an admission charge of £2.50 per
adult |
|
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June
Sunday 20th June
|
Midland
Railway - Butterley |
FREE entry for disabled visitors and just half price for accompanying helpers. A great opportunity to view the amazing collecting of engines.
Father's Day lunch - treat you dad to an extra special day
out at this fabulous railway centre
|
| Sunday
13th June |
Pikehall Harness
Racing |
Top
class grass Harness Racing from 2pm. Spectators can be assured
of a great day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking,
bookmakers, refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions. |
| Friday
18th June to Sunday 4th July |
Ashbourne Arts Festival |
Ashbourne
Arts Festival began in 2000 and now hosts 2 weeks of exciting
events to entertain, educate and enjoy, starting with a procession
through the town. From art, music, poetry recitals and painting
workshops to operas and performing arts. Something for all the
family. |
| Sunday 27th June |
Derbyshire
County Show
Elvaston Castle
|
A traditional
County show near Borrowash, Derby. One of the main attractions
this year is The Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team - The
Flying Gunners will be performing the fastest high speed cross-overs
you will see in the world! |
| July |
|
|
| Sundays throughout
July |
The
Burrows Gardens |
The Burrows Gardens,
a delightful corner of Derbyshire, with a collection of loved
and cared for gardens, ideal for a gentle stroll, or a summer
picnic. Round off your visit with tea and wonderful homemade
cakes. Small parties welcome. |
| Saturday 10th July |
Frayed knot Band |
Local band Frayed Knot playing at Carsington Sailing Club in aid of Brassington Primary School. Tickets £7.50 on 01629 540212 |
| Saturday 10th & Sunday11th July |
Midland Railway - Butterley
Narrow Gauge Gala |
A model enthusiats dream with plenty of real engines to see too and a good play area for the children to blow off steam! |
| Sunday 11th July |
Pikehall Harness Racing |
Top class grass Harness Racing from 2pm. Spectators can be assured of a great day out at Pikehall Races, with trackside parking, bookmakers, refreshments, licensed bar, and children's attractions. |
| Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July |
Secret Gardens of Winster |
Follow the garden trail around the picturesque streets and alleys of the historic Derbyshire village of Winster. While away the afternoon with jazz, a gnome hunt, craft stalls, and treat yourself to a cream tea. |
| Sunday
18th July |
Ashbourne Highland
Gathering |
Every
year since 1985, Ashbourne has been host to one of the largest
highland gatherings outside Scotland. It consists of pipeband
competitions, highland dancing, highland sports, tug of war and
various other events. |
| Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July |
The
Great Dome Art Fair |
Quality art &
craft work by 53 members of Peak District Products including
paintings, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, photography
and lots more. Worth going just to visit this magnificent historic
building in Buxton. |
| Wednesday 7th to Sunday 25th July |
Buxton Festival |
A
fabulous feast for artists of all ages, with over 100 events
in 2 weeks including opera, music and literature. |
| Wednesday 7th to Sunday 25th July |
Buxton Fringe Festival |
The Fringe began in 1980 to run concurrently with the world-renowned Buxton Festival, and many artists use it as a preview for Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It provides a showcase for performers of all kinds; dance, drama, music, poetry, comedy, film, exhibitions, magic and more. |
| Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st July |
Brassington
Wakes Week and Carnival |
A traditional
village carnival with fancy dress floats and an open air service
with Brassington, Middleton and Wirksworth Brass Band. Followed
by a week of fun packed activities, including Boules, BBQ, Car
treasure hunt and the popular village jumble trail. Fun for all! |
| Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August |
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway |
A celebration of steam with engine Bellerophon (star of BBC TV's Cranford) joining newly restored resident locomotive Ferrybridge No 3 for a weekend of family fun |
| August |
|
|
| Saturday 30th July to Saturday 20th August |
International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
Buxton |
Now in its 16th year the Festival runs for 3 weeks in the amazing Edwardian Buxton Opera House. The Festival aims to enhance the knowledge and understanding of Gilbert & Sullivan and ensure that this quintessentially British entertainment continues to flourish. The Fringe provides dawn till dusk G&S with over 70 events from masterclasses to performance and comedy - a fantastic choice for the G&S enthusiast. |
| Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August |
Cromford Steam Rally |
A traditional steam fair with steamers, historical motor vehicles, stationary engines, and a model marquee with miniature steam vehicles and engines. There are plenty of stalls, old time fair rides, and displays of motorcycles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and wonderful old time organs. The tractor section will give you a unique insight into life on the farms in days gone by, and there are demonstrations of rural crafts. |
| Wednesday
4th & Thursday 5th August |
Bakewll Agricultural Show |
Bakewell
Show is a celebration of all aspects of farming and rural life,
from the best of British livestock to the latest business and
technological innovations. It boasts the largest tented Show
in the UK and attracts around 65,000 visitors over the two days.
Plenty for everyone to see and do. |
| Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th August |
Midland Railway
Butterley |
Take the children on a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends - plenty of other engines to see and there is a good play area to blow off steam! |
| Saturday 7th August |
Manifold Show
Ilam
|
A traditional
country show with an excellent selection of animal and horse
classes. Something for everyone to watch - a great family day
out. |
| Saturday 21st August |
Ashbourne Agricultural Show |
An agricultural and country show including cattle, sheep, goats, horses and a cage bird and dog show. Ashbourne show is most reknown for its Shire horse classes. Lots of family entertainments, with craft tent, rural craft display, horticulture and handicrafts, and numerous stalls and trade stands. |
| Tuesday 24th & wednesday 25th August |
Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials |
A rare but fabulous sight to see the exceptionally well trained dogs driving in the sheep. There is some very keen competition over the 2 day event in fields at Blore, near Ilam. |
| Sunday 29th & Monday 30th August |
Blackpool Extravaganza
Crich Tramway Village
|
A celebration
of 125 years of Blackpool trams with hundreds of other tansport exhibits, stalls and models. Vehicle
convoys parade down Tramway Street. Fairground rides and family
entertainment. |
| September |
|
|
| Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September |
Chatsworth Country Fair |
Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone. Many of England's heritage of Country Sports and pastimes are on show including Armed service displays, horse shoeing, ferret racing, archery and sheep dog trials. |
| Saturday 4th September through to Saturday 30th October |
Matlock Bath Illuminations and Venetian Nights |
Throughout September and October the riverbanks are decorated by illuminated colourful displays and the cliffs above are floodlit, offering a truly memorable show.The Venetian Nights take place on Saturdays and Sundays, when decorated boats, with coloured lights twinkling, glide down the river. A magical experience enjoyed by people of all ages. |
| Sunday 5th to Sunday 26th September |
Derby Festival & Derby Feste
|
An amazing festival centered around the new Quad art and media centre including street art, parade, workshops etc. |
| Friday 11th to
Sunday 27th September |
Wirksworth
Arts Festival |
Two wonderful
weeks of art, music, theatre, film and dance. Something for everyone
with exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. |
| Saturday 18th Sept to Sunday 3rd Oct |
Derby Walking Festival |
The compact friendly city of Derby is steeped with fascinating history, a vibrant culture and provides an excellent setting for this urban walking festival. |
| Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September |
Midland Railway
Butterley
1940's weekend |
A fabulous weekend of history stepping back in time to the 1940's, lots to see and do. |
| Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September |
Pavilion Gardens - Buxton
Art & Design Fair
|
A celebration of local arts and crafts from all over the Peak District, from painting, candle making, textiles, wood, ceramics, papercraft, glasswear and many more. Plenty to see and buy! |
| Sunday
19th September |
Ashbourne Half
Marathon |
A
half marathon, but don't be deceived it is a tough one with huge
hills to test your stamina! However for those who want to take
it easy there is an alternative 3 and half mile family fun run.
If you want to enter into the spirit of the event get your fancy
dress costume ready. |
| October |
|
|
| Wednesday 6th
October |
Brailsford Ploughing
Competition |
A very traditional
ploughing match with both old fashioned ploughing with horses
and the latest modern tractors. Quite a sight to watch. Includes
hedgelaying and other traditional rural crafts. |
| Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October |
The Great Peak District Fair
Pavillion Gardens - Buxton
|
A celebration of Peak District produce and crafts from chefs at work in the demonstration kitchen cooking delicious recipes using local ingredients to demonstrations by local artists and craft workers. Admission is free with over 90 Exhibitors selling high quality food, arts & crafts produced in and around the Peak District. There is also a free children's' entertainment area and climbing wall and live music. Set in the Pavilion Gardens it is also close to an excellent park and children's play area. |
| Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October |
World Heritage Site Discovery Days |
A festival of over 100 activities celebrating the significance of the Derwent Valley Mills and the heritage surrounding them. Events include guided walks, exhibitions, children's crafts, a horse drawn narrowboat and a chance for some hands on conservation work along the Cromford Canal. |
| Saturday 30th
October |
Starlight Halloween
Crich Tramway Museum
|
A Halloween spectacular
with illuminations, witches, ghosts and trams in the dark. Spooky!
Open until 9pm, last admission 6pm |
| Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October |
Wizards and Spookes
Midland Railway - Butterley
|
Spooky half term activities at this amazing railway centre |
| TBC |
The
Great Peak District Food Fest |
A
real feast for gourmets - a week-long celebration of the finest
food and drink the Peak District has to offer, involving local
producers. You are positively encouraged to sample the finest
fare with special food-linked events and promotions including
food tastings, banquets, guided walks, and beer festivals. Programme
available at beginning of October. |
| November |
|
|
| TBC |
Alton Towers Firework Display |
A
fantastic firework and lazer display, held within the theme park
its self. You can enter the park in the late afternoon and take
in a few rides before the big display. Contact Alton Towers for
ticket details. |
| Monday 1st November
to Thursday 23rd December |
Chatsworth
House
A Russian Christmas
|
A celebration
of Christmas including decorations, seasonal food and drink,
behind the scenes tours and farmyard Christmas craft activities. |
| Sunday
7th November |
Dovedale Dash |
The
Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 miles, run by
about 1200 people of all abilities around the villages of Thorpe
and Dovedale.The course is mainly along field paths and open
ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold, but there
are short stretches along tarmac and some stony ground. One of
the excitements is the crossing of the river Dove at the well
known Stepping-Stones. The race starts at 11am, but go early
to sign up if you want to take part. |
| Saturday 6th November |
Firework Special
Midland Railway - Butterley |
A sparkling spectacular firework display - good all round family fun - unless your toddlers don't like big noises. |
|
Saturday 20th November to Friday 24th December
|
Santa Express
Midland Railway
- Butterley
|
Santa Specials
- Take the children on a magical train to see Santa and join
in the festive fun |
| December |
|
|
| Sunday 5th
to Sunday 12th December |
Haddon Hall
Christmas
Opening |
All of the principal rooms, including the 17th Century Long Gallery, the medieval Banqueting Hall and the atmospheric Tudor Dining Room are decorated with natural foliage and trees from the Haddon Estate. A spectacular magical display. |
| Friday 10th December |
Ashbourne
Town Late Night Christmas Shopping |
A
real family Christmas atmosphere, with street entertainment,
live music, Santa's grotto, hog roast and much more. All the shops
are open till 9pm so there's time to buy some last minute Christmas
presents. |
| TBC |
Pipes in the Peak
Christmas Spectaculars
|
Let the Pipes
in the Peaks get you into the festive spirit. Concerts celebrating
Christmas with all your seasonal favourites. Includes Sherry
and mince pies! Booking essential |
| Weekends
throughout December from |
Santa Express
Midland Railway
- Butterley
|
Take
the children on a magical train ride to see Santa and join in
the festive fun. |
| Saturday 25th December |
Boxing Day
Raft Race
Matlock Bath
|
Traditionally
for the past 44 years the Derbyshire Association of Sub Aqua
Clubs have been running the annual raft event. Last year a total
of £5825.88 was raised for the charities R.N.L.I, St Johns
Ambulance' Hyperbaric unit and Derbyshire Air Ambulance.
One way of getting rid of the hangover - it certainly brings
you round hitting the cold water of the river Derwent on a cold
December morning. The 45 or so rafts set off at 10.00am down
the river Derwent on the four mile course through Matlock, down
to Matlock Bath, Past the famous Arkwright Mill, and finally
onto the finish at Cromford Mill. By this time the rafters have
encounter crowds encouraging them on, negotiated a weir and been
pelted with flour bombs all in good fun! |
